About

Tom and his friends are like a lot of people in their late 20s. Except Tom may also be a werewolf.

Tom's friends are pretty sure he's not a werewolf, since werewolves don't exist. But he's been acting pretty weird lately. Weirder than usual, anyway. His BFF Courtney, always his rock, is growing tired of the endless shenanigans. Chris and Jesse have their own wolf problems and Jacob and Samantha don't have answers either. And it's probably premature to think Kayla will be okay with puppy kisses from a fully-grown man.

Gentle Werewolf: A new comedy web series about friendship, love, work and play. Also werewolves.

WHY WE NEED YOU

We are seeking your support so that we can produce the 10-minute pilot episode of the series Gentle Werewolf. Our target goal will allow us to make the pilot, in which you will meet the key characters, be introduced to Tom and his "werewolfitis" (as he calls it), as well as explore the questions that are on his friends' minds, such as "What the hell is going on with Tom?!" If we reach all our stretch goals, we will produce the entire 13 episode series (see stretch goals below). We think you are going to love Gentle Werewolf. We aim to make a high-quality, relatable, and funny web series that is accessible to everyone and like nothing else out there.

INFLUENCES

DIRECTOR'S VISION

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Gentle Werewolf is a dry buddy comedy with a touch of romance, drama, and werewolf transformation. I was flying to Seattle when I first read the script myself, and I laughed aloud, which doesn't happen often. My overall approach for Gentle Werewolf is to celebrate the humor and find unique ways to keep it relatable, with characters just like people you may know. In our present, everyday world, Tom's transformation to become a werewolf fits awkwardly, and I want that to show. Sam Esmail's film Comet and TV show Mr Robot serve as visual inspiration - both have wonderfully uncomfortable ways to compose a frame to suit the discomfort happening on screen. Tonally, Silicon Valley and Catastrophe set a good par for Gentle Werewolf and they, along with The Last Man on Earth, match the style of humor I am going for - part real, part ridiculous and a little dark too. We have a fantastic cast on board that will bring this group of friends to life with a camaraderie, and well-written, witty dialogue. Gentle Werewolf was written to become a guilty pleasure for all. We appreciate your support.

WRITERS’ INFLUENCES

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English

We were heavily influenced by Buffy the Vampire Slayer in writing Gentle Werewolf. Characters dealing with both the extraordinary and the ordinary provide exciting opportunities to explore how working class people navigate society and stay true to themselves. Like in Buffy, the characters in Gentle Werewolf have a lot of love for each other, even in the midst of strife. Some of the fast-paced, witty dialogue was influenced by Gilmore Girls. We're all avid fantasy and gaming geeks, so we got some tone from the World of Darkness, thematic elements from The Curse of the Werewolf, and a sense of scope from our favorite fantasy authors: Ursula LeGuin not least among them. And, of course, we drew extensively from common werewolf lore.

SCRIPT EXCERPT

PEOPLE

CAST

We are so excited about working with our talented cast, check out their IMDB for their bios.

Ally Zonsius, a Michigan native, has been directing commercials, music videos and narrative films for the last 6 years. In theatre, Ally directed a successful production of The Vagina Monologues starring Diane Amos, Alison Arngrim, Kate Linder and Tippi Hedren at the Barnsdall Theatre. She has 2 Telly's and an Aurora Award under her belt for her commercial work and was chosen for Shoot Magazine's directors list in 2015.

Brendan Weinhold co-wrote the Hollywood Fringe First Award-nominated play Four Tree Plays for Ray Burley Productions. He’s written sketch comedy, including the Daily Fiber Films sketch What's Inside. He has his BA in Drama with minors in Dance and German Language and Literature from the University of Washington. He's led workshops for 4-H, First Stage Milwaukee, Seattle Children's Theatre, Youth Theatre Northwest, and We Make Movies. He is a ComedySportzLA improviser, BookPALS reader, Young Storytellers Foundation mentor, feminist and Wisconsin farm kid.

Stina Pederson hails from Seattle, WA, where she studied creative writing at the University of Washington. She is currently editing her second novel. She adapted O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi for the stage to kick off Ray Burley Productions’ 2014-2015 season, and adapted Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey for the 2015 Hollywood Fringe Festival. Stina fell in love with screenwriting after joining LA film collective We Make Movies and is interested in increasing the number of complex and non-sexist film roles for women.

J.S Bangs lives in Minnesota with his family of four. A computer programmer turned writer, when not writing, he can be found gardening, biking, or playing Magic: the Gathering. His short fiction has appeared in numerous publications and his novel Storm Bride was recently published by Red Adept Publishing.

SAMPLE REWARDS

Please note all images are digital samples only and the final product may differ slightly from these images.

Gentle Werewolf Postcard featuring artwork by Anna Cosper

A glossy postcard, with hand-written, personalized thank you message on reverse.

PLaNETS The Dark Woods Album Download

Earlybirds at certain rewards tiers get this amazing record, including song Scared Coyote, which will be featured in Gentle Werewolf!

Gentle Werewolf Pet Bowl featuring artwork by Anna Cosper

A collapsible food or water bowl for pets on the go. People can use them too, especially if they are like Tom. The bowl will only be available in one of these colors, but we'll send out a call for eligible supporters to vote on their choice once the campaign ends.

Gentle Werewolf Shopper Tote Bag featuring artwork by Anna Cosper

100% cotton and truly practical.

Gentle Werewolf Toddler T-Shirt featuring artwork by Anna Cosper

Super cute and available in toddler sizes 2T-6T. If we reach our Stretch Goal 1 you'll also get a choice of kid-friendly T-shirt colors too.

STRETCH GOALS

Stretch Goal 1: $30,000

We make the Gentle Werewolf pilot with an extra scene and give you even more Gentle Werewolf goodness.

Any reward pledge at $25 or more will also get an exclusive Kickstarter only Gentle Werewolf poster featuring artwork by Anna Cosper.

You now have a choice of 3 toddler T-shirt colors - grey, blue, red.

New $50 reward unlocked: In addition to an first view streaming link and Tote Bag, we are going to make a Gentle Werewolf comic, illustrated by Anna Cosper and you'll be the first to get it. The comic will be a secret scene from the series over 8 beautiful pages and will both kid and adult-friendly too.

Stretch Goal 2: $60,000

We make episodes 1-6 of Gentle Werewolf and give you priority access to all six episodes.

The comic will now have some color. It's going to be oh-so-pretty.

New $25 reward unlocked: PLaNETS will compose a theme song for us and we will get it mastered and pressed on 7" vinyl with an awesome B side! We'll also add it in to any reward $100 and over.

New $750 reward unlocked: For US backers only, SFX makeup designer Wren Witting will make you your very own set of Gentle Werewolf prosthetic ears and hands. That's next Halloween sorted.

New $1000 reward unlocked: Five more product placement opportunities - one each for episodes 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of Gentle Werewolf.

New $1500 reward unlocked: Anna Cosper will create a custom piece just for you. She'll find out what things you like, and she'll create a unique work of art for your wall.

Stretch Goal 3: $100,000

We will make the entire 13 episodes of Season 1 of Gentle Werewolf and share them all with you.

Do you want to be in Gentle Werewolf? We'll invite every backer who's pledged at the $100 level and higher to be in our Halloween party scene to be filmed in Los Angeles (transportation not provided).

We'll also invite backers who pledge more than $100 to the series screening premiere and party in Los Angeles with the cast and crew present (transportation not provided).

New $1000 reward unlocked: Six more product placement opportunities - one each for episodes 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 of Gentle Werewolf.

REWARDS COLLABORATORS

Visual Art Designer

Artist and designer of our Gentle WerewolfKickstarter exclusive rewards, Anna Cosper studied illustration at CABK Art Academy in the Netherlands. Specializing in stop-motion animation, she has animated for television and various art galleries in the Netherlands and abroad. Also a puppet maker, she attended the UNIMA School for Puppet and Object Theater in Amsterdam in 2008 and has given workshops in animation and/or puppetry in Botswana, Burma, Thailand, the Netherlands, and the US. Photo by Joe Werne.

If we were Conan, PLaNETS would be our in-house band. Their song, Scared Coyote, features in our teaser above, and you'll hear it and other tracks by the band in Gentle Werewolf. They will also be working with us to compose a Gentle Werewolftheme song. We are so excited!

The psych rock band underneath your bed, P L a N E T S, are a tricksy bunch. From their 4D performances smashed full of choreo-punk witch dancers, ghostly beasts and shadowy puppetry, to their haunted trip of a debut album - this band born in the woods and raised in Alhambra, CA smolders and burns. Vibrating along with modern day musical auteurs such as Fever Ray and echoing ambitious rock acts like The Who, while drawing inspiration from the twisty television dramas Twin Peaks and The Twilight Zone, P L a N E T S will tangle you up in some sort of war dance in the woods where nothing is sacred except sweat, blood and the pursuit of darkness.

Gentle Werewolf's resident yogi, Melissa Ciesla has been practicing yoga for over 12 years. Her life as a dancer lead her to yoga as a means to stretch, strengthen and decompress. In the summer of 2014 Melissa decided to turn her extensive knowledge of anatomy and alignment into a career when she completed her 200 hour yoga certification in Hot Power Fusion at Core Power. Her detailed cues help her students focus on proper body alignment while they deepen their relationship with both their body and mind.

SFX Make-up

Wren Witting began doing makeup on her high school theater's production of Harvey and fell in love instantly. She attended Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she got her BA in Theatre and completed a wig and makeup internship with the Indianapolis Opera. After graduation, Wren worked as a freelance designer for the Phoenix Theatre, The Asante Children's Theatre, Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre, Anderson University Lyric Theatre, Ball State University, DePaul University, Cardinal Stage, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Wren then turned her focus to film, moved to Los Angeles and attended The Makeup Designory, where she completed the Master Makeup Artist program. She now works as freelance makeup artist for film, television and print media.

Risks and challenges

1. We have gone through an extensive auditioning process to find our wonderful cast, but if one of them lands a major movie or TV role, we may have to reschedule or recast them. This could delay production and result in a later delivery time for you. Also, the nature of filmmaking is that things can and often do go wrong. Never fear, we are all experienced, so we know how to work around any issues that may appear.

2. We are using outside manufacturers for most of our rewards, so if they have delays or if we have to make a lot more than expected, we may be a little late with our rewards to you - but we will get them to you as soon as we can. Our aim is to get as many of the physical rewards as possible out before Christmas.

3. Reaching our stretch goals will make us very happy, but it will also mean delivery of the video streaming link will be delayed as we will have a lot more to shoot. But it does mean you get to see a whole lot more Gentle Werewolf!

4. We do aim to do most of the shipping before Christmas, so this may mean holdups with the Christmas postage rush or with customs for those overseas. There is not a lot we can do about this but we will stay in communication with you throughout and answer any questions.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5 or more
About $5

It's in the Mail

We'll send you a Gentle Werewolf postcard featuring artwork by artist Anna Cosper with a handwritten thank you note by one of the writers, the director, the producer, or a cast member of Gentle Werewolf.

We'll also choose the prettiest stamps we can. We're thoughtful like that.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $10 or more
About $10

First View

Want to be one of the first people to see the Gentle Werewolf pilot? We'll send you a first view Kickstarter-only video streaming link to see the Gentle Werewolf pilot online and we'll Tweet our thanks to you too.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $25 or more
About $25

Earlybird Feed Me with bonus Tunes

If, like Gentle Werewolf, you are partial to pups, you'll love this reward: not only will you get a first view Kickstarter-only video streaming link to see the Gentle Werewolf pilot online, you'll also get this collapsible Gentle Werewolf food or water bowl for your furry friends. Featuring artwork by Anna Cosper. Plus for earlybirds, we'll also send you a digital download link for PLaNETS album "The Dark Woods".

Please note shipping date is for everything except the video link, which will be emailed to you once the pilot is completed.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $25 or more
About $25

Feed Me

If, like Gentle Werewolf, you are partial to pups, you'll love this reward: not only will you get a first view Kickstarter-only video streaming link to see the Gentle Werewolf pilot online, you'll also get this collapsible Gentle Werewolf food or water bowl for your furry friends. Featuring artwork by Anna Cosper.

Please note shipping date is for everything except the video link, which will be emailed to you once the pilot is completed.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $35 or more
About $35

Gentle Werewolf Toddler T-shirt

Do you have a tiny werewolf in your life? How cute is this cotton Gentle Werewolf t-shirt featuring artwork by Anna Cosper just for toddlers (or furry friends)?! For the child inside you, you'll also get a first view Kickstarter-only video streaming link too.

T-shirt will be available in toddler sizing 2T-6T.

Please note shipping date is for everything except the video link, which will be emailed to you once the pilot is completed.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $50 or more
About $50

Associate Producer

You will be credited in the closing credits of the pilot and any future episodes of Season 1 of Gentle Werewolf made via Kickstarter, on IMDB, on social media, and in our press kit. Yup, you'll be official. And with the first view Kickstarter-only video download link, you'll get to see your name on screen over and over again. You'll also be credited in pledge order, so the sooner you get in, the higher up your credit.

You'll also get to choose one of your favorite Gentle Werewolf swag items too - either the collapsible pet bowl, toddler T-shirt or tote bag.

Please note shipping date is for everything except the video link and credit, which will be emailed to you once the pilot is completed.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

Earlybird Swagbag with Tunes

You like the art and a great deal? So do we.

This extremely limited US only swag bag includes a first view Kickstarter-only video streaming link, a very special screen-printed, limited release signed Gentle Werewolf poster by Anna Cosper, as well as the collapsible pet bowl, toddler T-shirt, tote bag and a PLaNETS album digital download.

Plus, artist Anna will sign and number your screen printed poster, with first in getting the coveted #1.

Please note shipping date is for everything except the video link, which will be emailed to you once the pilot is completed. Poster will be shipped rolled.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $250 or more
About $250

Private Yoga Experience

In addition to a first view Kickstarter-only video streaming link, find bliss with Private Yoga class with Gentle Werewolf's resident yogi Melissa Ciesla. Melissa, who is certified in Hot Power Fusion Yoga will come to your house, local park or workplace and lead you in a private session for you and a friend or two.

Available at Los Angeles locations only, no transportation provided. Experience can be gifted and can be used upon receipt and into 2016 based on schedule availability. Please note the video link will be emailed to you once the pilot is completed.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $250 or more
About $250

Tête-á-tête Experience

Have a beverage and briefing with director Ally Zonsius and producer Diana Ward. You can discuss career goals, ask advice or talk about the weather - it's up to you. You can choose the bar or cafe or we can introduce you to one of our favorites and we'll share our collective experiences with you.

Of course you'll get the essential first view Kickstarter-only video streaming link too.

Available at Los Angeles locations only, no transportation provided. Experience can be used upon receipt and into 2016 based on schedule availability. Please note the video link will be emailed to you once the pilot is completed.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $250 or more
About $250

Game Night Experience

Do you love games? Here at Gentle Werewolf HQ it's fair to say we are addicted. Director Ally Zonsius and Writers Brendan Weinhold and Stina Pederson will bring Settlers of Catan and their favorite snacks over to your place and while away an eve in adventure.

Of course you'll get the essential first view Kickstarter-only video streaming link too.

Available at Los Angeles locations only, no transportation provided. Experience can be gifted and can be used upon receipt and into 2016 based on schedule availability. Please note the video link will be emailed to you once the pilot is completed.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $750 or more
About $750

Naming Rights

Jacob is a clever clown with marketing collateral, and, as every clown has a clown name, this is your opportunity to name a clown. We promise it will get screen time.

You can be funny, you can be punny, or straight-edge, but Gentle Werewolf writers reserve the right to approve the selected name for decency, and potential for libel or offense. Please message before you pledge and we'll confirm if we can accommodate your name.

You'll also get the Gentle Werewolf kit and caboodle swag and the all important video download link.

Please note shipping date is for everything except the video link, which will be emailed to you once the pilot is completed.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,000 or more
About $1,000

Product Placement

Do you have a product or business you'd like featured in Gentle Werewolf? We'll find an organic way to show your product, sign or logo and, where possible, we'll even write it into the script so one of the principle cast members interacts with your business, a product, or says your brand name.

There are thousands of brands we think could be a great fit and only a few we think aren't, so please message before you pledge and we'll confirm if we can accommodate your brand.
Some examples of easy fits would be motorcycle related, computer related, dog related, food related, apparel, accessories, homewares, a Los Angeles-based cafe or restaurant and everyday items.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

Executive Producer

You are our guardian angel and we will laud you as such by crediting you as our Executive Producer in the opening credits of the pilot and any future episodes of Gentle Werewolf season 1, on IMDB, on social media, in our press kit, and basically to anyone who asks us about the series.

Of course you'll get the essential first view Kickstarter-only video download link too and if you want the Gentle Werewolf swag, too, let us know, and we'll messenger it over.